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3 day protest by garlic farmers at Chiang Mai City Hall
Government-offered solution
leaves growers at a loss
The Secretary General to the
Minister of Commerce, Arisman Pongruangrong, right, meets with protest
representatives in a failed attempt to negotiate a better price for their
crops.
Saksit Meesubkwang
More than 700 farmers and garlic growers from five local districts
protested in front of City Hall recently, following a refusal by the
Secretary General to the Minister of Commerce, Arisman Pongruangrong, to
help negotiate a better price for their crops. During the three day protest,
500 members of the security forces, police and special task force units were
deployed at the scene. On the third day, April 10, Arisman finally met with
representatives of the protestors and with Natniti Wuthithammapanya, the
head of the network of growers.
The meeting, however, only lasted 30 minutes, and ended with the growers’
representatives walking out. When it was announced that the meeting had
failed, it was decided to mount a petition with signatures from all the
protestors, and to present it to higher government decision-making
authorities.
Arisman later stated that the government had offered two solutions to the
growers, firstly that the superstore Big C would purchase the entire crop,
and secondly that processing factories and retailers would purchase it. The
two offers, he said, would expire on April 21. Both the offers were refused
by the growers, who considered that the price was too low. The present
wholesale price is 14 baht per kilo; growers state that they need a
government guarantee of at least 25 baht per kilo in order not to make a
loss on their investment and labour. Growers in the area produce at least
100 million kilos of garlic each year.
The protesters at the Chiang
Mai City Hall last week.
Mae Hong Son opium field destroyed
Gun and opium consumption tools found in hut
A raid on a small opium plantation in Pha Bong district, Mae Hong Son, was
carried out on April 11 by local defence volunteers, forestry officials and
police officers, and was attended by the Deputy Governor of Mae Hong Son,
Wanchai Suthiwongchai.
On their arrival at the 50 square wa field, which was concealed in a banana
plantation, a man was observed running into nearby woods. The opium poppies
were destroyed rapidly, as it was felt that there might be a risk of attack
from the growers. A small hut containing a gun, opium consumption tools and
food was also destroyed, and its contents confiscated. As the opium field
had been encroaching on the forest, the landowner is being sought by local
police.
Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra arrives in his home city of Chiang Mai
Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra
is surrounded
by well-wishers upon his arrival at Chiang Mai Airport.
Ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, arrived in the city of his
birth, Chiang Mai ,on the afternoon of Friday, April 11. His first visit was
to Wat Phra Sing to pay his respects to the most revered Buddha Sihing image
before the start of the Songkran Festival. Thaksin had already begun what he
referred to as a “merit-making” tour to his key rural stronghold, Northern
Thailand, but has refused to make any comment on politics. It was Thaksin’s
first trip outside Bangkok since the end of his self-imposed exile in
Britain after he was toppled in a military coup in September 2006. Speaking
recently he said that he wanted to visit the region only to perform Buddhist
merit-making ceremonies, and to visit Cambodia during April 5-6 to play golf
with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. He has recently stated that he only
wants to make a “social contribution” to his country.
Robber targets local 7-Eleven
store with replica gun
CCTV footage matches employees’ description
CMM Reporter
Police were called to a 7-Eleven store on Changklan Road near
Wachirawit Junior School on April 11 following a robbery in which the sum of
5,000 baht and two bottles of Black Label scotch were stolen.
Tawipob Chintrakul, 16, an employee at the store, reported that a man,
having waited until there were no customers in the store, came in
brandishing a gun and forced them to give him the contents of one of the
tills, some 5,000 baht. He then ordered Tawipob and a female employee to lie
on the floor, took the two bottles of scotch from the shelf, and was seen to
fire a shot in the direction of the cupboard under the shelf. After
shooting, he ran from the store and fled, using a black Honda Dream to make
his escape. Tawipob, having realised that he had not actually heard a shot,
checked the shelf for damage and bullets. Finding none, he became certain
that the gun had been a replica. The police were immediately informed and
road blocks were set up, but the thief has not as yet been traced.
Police later stated that, as the robber had seemed very well informed as to
how much cash was in the till, it was possible that he could have been a
former employee. The gun used may have been a compressed air gun, which the
robber had fired in order to let the employees know that he had tricked
them. A search was made of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues to
check whether the robber had been seen carrying the two bottles of scotch,
or had been making attempts to sell them in the immediate locality. A
description of the man given by both the employees matched up with CCTV
footage of the robbery.
Excessive heat in Mae Hong Son
Locals and visitors cool off in Pai river
Khajohn Boonpath
The recent excessively high temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius
in Mae Hong Son resulted in both locals and visitors cooling off by swimming
in the Pai river and sheltering from the fierce sun under sheds provided
along the river’s banks by the local authority. As a result, far fewer
people remained in the town itself to celebrate Songkran by throwing water,
a positive development considering the present problems with lack of water
in the province. The drought has resulted in the traditional Songkran
festival being held in the town on only one day, April 15, instead of the
usual April 11- 16 dates. The parade of the sacred Buddha images took place
as usual, however, and locals and visitors alike sprinkled holy water on the
images and prayed for luck and prosperity in the New Year.
The Mae Hong Son Meteorological Station has warned of expected summer storms
in the area, including severe hailstorms, and has advised residents to make
sure their properties are secure. Warnings were also given about the dangers
of the spread of diseases such as food poisoning, dysentery and typhoid
fever in the abnormally high temperatures, and the public are being asked to
be careful with food hygiene and drink only clean water.
CM residents make requests for city’s development on Phaya Mangrai Day
Chiang Mai’s 712th anniversary
CMM Reporter
A religious ceremony was held at the Phaya (King) Mangrai Shrine
on Ratchadamnern Road on April 12, Phaya (King) Mangrai day, to
commemorate the founding of the city 712 years ago by the great King
Mangrai. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Mom Chao Duangduen na
Chiengmai, the president of Chiang Mai Culture Council, and was attended
by officials from the city’s organizations and public people.
The Vice-President of the City Development Institute Foundation, Dr.
Tanes Charoenmuang, summarized the present needs of residents, and
announced the Institute Foundation’s responses using 14 points which had
been raised mostly concerned with public infrastructures, social status,
and improvement projects
1. The King Mangrai Royal Family palace, so-called “Khum Lang”, had been
used as a women’s prison today; should be removed, and then this former
royal palace should be renovated and restored, and will become the
improvement of a “City Gate” grounds, a new green recreation area to be
in which events and activities will be staged.
2. Concern has been raised about the extension to Chiang Mai
International Airport, citing possible property damage, noise pollution
and damage to health; the airport should therefore be relocated at a far
distance from the city itself.
3. At present the Bangkok-Chiang Mai rail service runs on a single track
for some distance; the track should be upgraded to a double track.
4. Improvements should be made to Chiang Mai’s public transportation
(mass transit) system in the city in order to reduce private car usage,
and to decrease traffic jams in the city.
5. To respect the former rights of districts and communities regarding
development projects particularly the road construction projects in
their areas, and to protect the irrigation canals in the old city, as
its destruction would severely affect agricultural areas
6. By modifying both sides of the River Ping and the city moat, city
walls and increasing the green areas around the sidewalks, the green
zone in the city will be increased, and its historical significance will
be enhanced as well as landscaping along the Ping river banks.
7. To restore and rebuild the ancient city walls, and to reduce the
surrounding commercial areas, increasing the public access areas and
using buildings for education, culture and as museums.
8. Temple sites should be used as models for preservation of the city’s
Buddhist heritage, and not as parking lots. The Buddhist Dharma as
preached in the temples should be stressed as a way to avoid attachment
to material things. Hotels and shops should not be constructed in
proximity to temples.
9. Sidewalks should be used for walking in the shade, not as a place for
selling goods.
10. The local administration should collect and properly deal with
rubbish from properties in the city, and, when suitable, should arrange
for its conversion to methane gas to be used in the production of
electricity.
11. A renovation project for the Inthakil Temple should proceed, thus
allowing worshippers to use the temple for their devotions. There should
be no parking allowed, nor any roads dividing the temple area.
12. The Chiang Mai-Lampang road area in front of the Jed Yod Temple
should be renovated and kept as a green area in time for the 600th
Anniversary in 2009 of Phraya Tilokarat, the great 15th century King of
Lanna.
13. Laws should be strictly upheld, alcohol should not be sold during
Songkran, residents and visitors should dress correctly, respect
traditions, celebrate safely and not throw water from vehicles.
14. To protect the city of Chiang Mai from following Bangkok’s
infatuation with extravagance, inappropriate construction and “concrete
fever”.
Illegal Burmese immigrants and Thai truck driver arrested after tip-off
Thais involved in people smuggling
CMM Reporter
A report regarding illegal immigrants received on April 11 by the
immigration authorities at Fang District, Chiang Mai, resulted in a
checkpoint being set up at Ban Muangrae, Tambon Maeka. A white Hino
truck with canvas covering the rear was stopped, and four illegal
Burmese immigrants were found to be hiding under the cover. Jaiting
Teewang, 28, Thuan Lungmool, 30, Naiklam Lungyad, 25 and Suay Lungthai,
31, were not able to present passports, and later told police that they
had intended to seek work in the Pasang district of Lamphun province,
and had hired the driver, Charoen Chinayan, to transport them from
Chiang Rai to their destination. Charoen was arrested, together with the
four Burmese, who were charged with illegally entering the Kingdom.
Cobra Gold 2008 Exercise Announced
Promoting regional peace and security
Information Resource Centre, US Embassy in Thailand
Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, and the United States today
announced their participation in the Cobra Gold exercise to be held in
Thailand from May 8-21.
Cobra Gold is a regularly scheduled joint and combined multi-national
exercise hosted annually by the Kingdom of Thailand. This year’s is the
latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional
peace and security, and marks the 27th anniversary of this regionally
significant training event.
The U.S. Embassy Bangkok’s Deputy Chief of Mission James F. Entwistle
said at the CG08 press conference that “multi-national responses to
regional crises are likely to be the norm in the future; in order to
better address tomorrow’s requirements, it is vital that friends train
together. There is no better exercise than Cobra Gold in keeping our
militaries ready to respond to the real-world priorities of supporting
peace, stability, reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance.” Training
will consist of a computer-simulated command post exercise, field
training exercises, and humanitarian/civic assistance projects.
In addition to the five main participating countries, the Thai
government has invited several other nations to participate in various
roles during the exercise. The following countries have been invited:
Australia, Brunei, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, India,
Malaysia, the Philippines and Mongolia.
Media interested in covering this exercise should refer to information
posted on the Cobra Gold website http://www.apan-info.net/cobragold or
contact (Thailand) U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section Bussabonglahwan
Pattaro at 02 205 4418 or the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Public
Affairs Office, LTCOL. Jeffrey Blau at (808) 477 8308, or email
jeffrey.blau@usmc.mil.
Brief storm in Chiang Rai
blows down tourist centre tent
A violent but thankfully brief storm hit the Chiang Rai area on the
evening of April 13, disrupting Songkran celebrations and blowing down
the Tourist Office’s tent, leaving officials frantically scrabbling for
cover. Many trees were uprooted, some blocking roads, and advertising
hoardings along the roadsides were destroyed. Because of the brief
duration, about 10 minutes, of the storm, no serious damage was
reported, although inspections are continuing. Warnings were given that
in present weather conditions, similar storms may well occur at any
time.
Famous astrologer holds Buddhist
ceremonials attended by
high government officials
Local Rak Chiang Mai party members protest as ceremonies continue
Saksit Meesubkwang
A Buddhist religious ceremony was held last week at Sukhito
House, Chiang Mai, to worship the Phra Chao Lanna Pitchitmarn Buddha
image, portrayed with hands in the “fighting against enemies” mudra.
Offerings made at the ceremony were later placed in a spirit house near
the Huay Tung Tao reservoir. A ceremony requesting forgiveness for past
misdeeds also took place, symbolically using an offering of 6 cows in
the traditional manner, whose lives would be spared through prayer and
worshipping.
The ceremonies were conducted by the “Designated Astrologer of the
Council of National Security”, Warin Buawiratlert, a famous shaman, and
attended by over 100 officials and worshippers. Amongst them were four
present and previous holders of high governmental office. One such, Gen
Chalit Pukpasuk, said when asked that his motivation for attending the
ceremony was to make merit; this was not linked in any way to politics.
He maintained that he is a devout Buddhist, and that no ulterior motives
were involved, and stated that the Lanna Pitichitmarn Buddha belonged to
all Thai peoples, and all should be able to attend it to make merit
without criticism. He also said that all Thais should make merit
regularly to support Buddhism to ensure their own and Thailand’s
prosperity, and that, now he is older, he needed to make merit more
frequently.
The ceremony was also attended by a large number of media
representatives, who asked whether the merit making could be taken as
sign that a change was coming on the political scene. Chalit replied
that people should remain calm, as “some things take time”. To the
groups of volunteers present, he said that all should proceed towards
the achievements the country is waiting for, and added that politicians
should also concentrate on doing good for their country. Then, he said,
the results should be apparent very soon. When asked about the possible
amendment to the 50th Constitution, he replied that all depended on the
environment and finding an appropriate situation. It could be done, he
stated, “but if it is done, the people will have the last word”.
Warin Buawiratlert also spoke about the ceremony, saying that the making
of merit was connected to the long life ceremony directed for Thailand
as a state, and had nothing to do with politics. He performs, he said,
the same ceremony each April, July and November, and has done so for the
last ten years. As regards a statement which was made referring to
political reform and separatism, he considered that it had been made in
a cooperative manner for the country as a whole. Absolution of the sins
of the entire country was an aim of the ceremony, which would benefit
the entire nation. In response to questions about his supposedly
upcoming predictions for the Prime Minister, Warin stated that he
neither knew the PM, nor knew his birth date, which is necessary for an
accurate prediction. He assured his questioners that the recent return
of ex PM Thaksin Shinawatra should not be a cause for concern, and does
not see an opportunity of meeting with Thaksin, who has not been in
contact with him.
During the ceremonies, a group from the Khon Rak Chiang Mai political
party picketed outside the property, protesting and holding banners
exhorting Warin to stop criticising the present government.
Rescue workers busy as Songkran revellers head home, casualties rise
Phetchabun and Phitsanulok have highest death tolls
Rescue workers and medical emergency staff are working round the clock
as celebrants of Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year water
festival, begin returning to the capital city after a long holiday
weekend, according to Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsup. Chaiya, also
deputy director of the national Road Safety Center, said roads leading
to Bangkok are expected to become busy later Tuesday and Wednesday as
Songkran revellers start returning for work.
The RSC have asked police to take action against drivers who speed as
well as those who drink alcohol, and highway police have opened
additional lanes to allow larger numbers of vehicles to head for
Bangkok. According to Chaiya, in the first four days of the “seven most
dangerous days” during Songkran, beginning April 11, there have been
2,949 road accidents throughout Thailand, with a tally so far of 229
deaths and 3,315 injuries. The northern provinces of Phetchabun and
Phitsanulok had the highest road death tolls during the four-day period
with 11 and 10 fatalities respectively. Drink driving was the major
cause of road accidents during the period, and four out of five
accidents - 81.26 per cent - involved motorcycles.
During the past four days, according to Chaiya, rescue workers and
medical staff have responded to 5,222 road injuries, 4,639 sudden
illnesses, 73 attempted suicides, 48 drowning incidents and intervened
in 846 quarrels. Anucha Mokkhavesa, director-general of the Disaster
Prevention and Mitigation Department, said provincial authorities had
been told to take special action against drunken motorcyclists who also
don’t wear helmets, because they were the ones who caused most
accidents.
He also stated that the department had set up 52 checkpoints along major
roads and highways nationwide to provide free check-ups on vehicle tires
and brake systems. (TNA)
Fatal bus crash in Chiang Dao –two dead, fourteen seriously injured
Possibility of mechanical failure
CMM Reporter
Another fatal accident involving a bus occurred recently on a
hill on the Chiang Dao area. On April 9, a Daothong Transport Co.’s bus,
travelling from Chiang Dao to Wiang Haeng and containing 30 passengers,
ran off the road whilst trying to accelerate into a switchback curve on
a mountain road. Police were called, and found the bus on its side, with
many passengers injured and two dead. The injured driver, Wong
Donjorhon, 50, stated to police that the bus had lost power when he
tried to accelerate round the curve, and that there was no response from
the engine when he changed gears and disengaged the brake. He lost
control of the vehicle, causing it to roll backwards, collide with the
guard rail and nearby trees, and finally flip over. One passenger,
Sangthoon Saithoon, died on the way to hospital; the bus boy, Samphan
Thonksaek, was found dead at the scene. All the passengers were
transferred to Chiang Dao Hospital, where those who had sustained minor
injuries were treated before being sent home. The 14 passengers with
more serious injuries, including the driver of the bus, were admitted to
the hospital.
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